More than £1 million of taxpayers’ money has been spent sending CalMac and CMAL staff to Turkey to oversee the construction of four new ferries, according to figures uncovered by the Scottish Conservatives.
The Cemre shipyard in Turkey is building four new vessels for CalMac, but Freedom of Information requests revealed a total of £1,016,162 has already been spent on remuneration, subsistence, accommodation, flights and car hire for CalMac, CMAL and Ferguson Marine staff since 2022.
The companies concerned, which operate and manage the state-owned ferry networks, said the spending was essential for confirming that the new vessels meet specifications and safety standards.
CalMac sent eight staff to the Turkish shipyard, spending £845,981, whilst £170,181 was spent on five CMAL employees. One Ferguson Marine employee was also sent to Turkiye, but the costs were covered by CMAL.
Scottish Conservatives transport spokeswoman Sue Webber said that taxpayers are being left to pick up the tab for the SNP’s “ferries fiasco” which has left islanders without the vessels they need.
She added it’s a measure of how badly the SNP have mismanaged Ferguson Marine that ferries which should be built on the west coast of Scotland are instead being made in Turkey.
“Taxpayers are being forced to foot yet another hefty bill as a result of the SNP’s ferries fiasco,” she said.
“After squandering half a billion pounds on the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, ministers have blown another £1 million flying staff to Turkey to keep tabs on the ferries being built there.
“Some project oversight is understandable after the huge problems with the Ferguson-built ferries – but this level of spending seems excessive.”
A CalMac spokeswoman confirmed that staff, including marine and technical specialists, have been carrying out “vital work to support CMAL with the build process” and ensure the vessels meet all legal and classification standards.
“Staff and crew have been spending valuable time at the yard in Turkey,” she stated, adding that this includes ensuring the necessary safety management and other certification are in place for operation in UK waters.
CMAL said that the presence of its staff was required “throughout the build of vessels to provide essential quality assurance and supervision”. It confirmed that travel and accommodation costs were “standard” and formed part of the overall project budget, which it insisted “remains on target”.
The Scottish government has previously said that it is essential to oversee the work being done and meet with officials.
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